Unit History: Royal Military Police

The Royal Military Police were formed in 1946 after the renaming of the Corps of Military Police (CMP) in recognition of their services during the Second World War (The CMP itself having come into existance following the merging of the Military Mounted Police (MMP) and the Military Foot Police (MFP))
In 1992 the Royal Military Police, alongside the Military Provost Staff Corps, became the Provost Branch of the Adjutant Generals Corps (AGC)
The Role of the RMP is not solely limited to the policing of the military; at the outset of military operations, the Royal Military Police guides combat and support units towards the frontlines of the military advance as well as ensuring that supply and traffic routes are kept open enabling military operations to continue. The RMP also handles matters such as crime and war crime investigations, the handling of enemy combatants and prisoners as well as maintaining law and discipline.

Memories of Royal Military Police

(Memories written by members of Forces Reunited)

Royal Military Police Chichester in 1980

Written by Margo Robertson

About 6 WRAC Provost arrived in Chi November 1980 and passed out March 1981 (Squads 8008 through 8013 were all there). We were too early to join our own squad (8012) so we were the "extras" for the crime scenes at Tangmere House. It was hilarious, I don't remember how many times I was "murdered" but I had a hell of a job getting the fake blood out my hair. My memories of training are a bunch of great people, discos in the shooting range, laughing a lot, being black and blue from the assault course and more laughter. Who can forget the CSM's "River Runs". If you were there then and remember me I would love to hear from you. Was it ever as much fun after training????

Hong Kong Royal Military Police in 2005

Written by Raymond CHAN

I enlisted in the Army on 9 January 1967, and did recruit and driver training at the Depot Hong Kong Military Service Corps, Lyemun Barracks, Hong Kong Island. On completion of this training, I was posted to Hong Kong Provost Company Royal Military Police. I served with the Island Detachment, Victoria Barracks, from 16 July 1967 to 7 February 1972 before moving on to other duties within the Army in Hong Kong. I enjoyed my five years with RMP, during which I reached the substantive rank of Corporal. The RMP in Hong Kong had a wide and varied role. In the 1960s, the HK soldiers supplied to the HK Pro Coy RMP by HKMSC were employed as MT drivers. However, in order that these HK soldiers could deal with every situation within every aspect of RMP concern, in the 1970s it became mandatory for them to attend the Basic Provost Course and even the Senior Promotion Course, both of which were held at the RMP Training Centre in Chichester, UK. The knowledge and skills learned during the 16- week Basic Provost Course were invaluable, enabling HK soldiers to integrate smoothly into the HK Pro Coy and SIB RMP. They returned to the unit with the self-confidence and bearing required to deal with the demanding tasks expected of RMP NCOs.The first HK soldiers were enrolled into the HK Pro Coy in 1949. This was a landmark in the development of the Hong Kong RMP, as it extended the unit¡¦s capabilities and enabled the RMP to communicate not just with the military, but also brought about improved and effective liaison between other policing organisations and the local community. In 1958, the Army Guard Dog Unit Hong Kong, part of the RAVC, was rebadged RMP. Initially the unit was comparatively small but it grew rapidly in numbers as the demands on it increased, and its range of duties expanded accordingly. As its height, it numbered 120 HK soldier handlers and 80 war dogs under the command of a British OC supported by a WO1 RMPThe Dog Coy, as it was called later, played a major role in patrol operations along the border with the Chinese People¡¦s Republic, as well as by providing guard dogs for camps and military installations within the Garrison. The Dog Coy also added to its reputation by putting on displays at various open days and shows around Hong Kong, and by achieving a series of highly creditable results in the dog obedience trials held in the 1960s and 1970s. Sadly, on 1 September 1976, the Dog Coy was rebadged to the RAVC again, thus ending a near twenty years¡¦ command of the Dog Coy by the RMP.The HK Pro Coy and SIB RMP continued with their other more traditional policing and investigating duties within Hong Kong, assisted by the Hong Kong soldiers under command, who brought not only their professionalism and local knowledge to the job but also added an oriental flavour that was unique within the RMP.

Royal Military Police / BAOR, W in 1967

Written by Barry Ingham

Introduction of the breathalyser to BAOR, West Germany, courtesey of the UK’s Road Safety Act 1967.

Royal Military Police SHAPE Provost Co, Plastic Pub N/Ireland in 1974

Written by Stan Angus

I was the first RMP barman in the new Plastis Pub at Aldergrove,,they were the best times in N/Ireland, met some great people , had some great nights,,,,,,,, in the pub and after the pub closed ???? I would play ELVIS all night, and converted a few people to like him ,, miss those times now..

Royal Military Police (Volunteers), Gillman Barracks, Singapore in 1963

Written by Rodgé JONES

200[Singapore]Pro Coy RMP was the worst mistake of my life. My CO 43rd & 52nd pleaded with me as the then Provost Cpl not to make the transfer. The rest is academic. In my view the RMP are the pits and deserve all that comes to them, they have no compassion or enmity with the soldiers and seek only to fulfil an arrest target which i gladly was NOT party to in any way, hence my demise after only TWO years. I could never forget my role as a Chosen-man.